Ski i Andorra

Over the past few seasons Andorra, the tiny principality in the Pyrenees, sandwiched between France and Spain, has grown from a budget priced backwater, known for its duty free drink and easy, cheap and cheerful skiing, to become a major player in the global winter sports industry.

Andorra once had six ski resorts but these have grown and been modernised and are now inter-connected to form two of the largest ski areas in the Pyrenees, which cover much of the country’s surface area. Grandvalira is the larger and now one of the 50 largest ski areas in the world as well as the biggest in the region, extending over the border in to France. It incorporates the skiing above the villages of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Canillo, Soldeu and El Tarter – all of which are lift linked together by one of the world’s largest and most modern lift networks, including a high proportion of fast six-seater chairlifts and gondolas.

The second area, Vallnord, incorporates Ordino-Arcalís and the separate Pal-Arinsal Mountain Park which are also connected together by fast modern lifts. Both areas have extensive snowmaking equipment and an excellent snowfall and sunshine record.